Ergonomic grab bar assembly for bathtubs

ABSTRACT

A grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub includes a substantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges. The grab bar assembly also includes a coupling assembly extending downward from the base for attachment to an upstanding wall of the bathtub and an armrest connected to and extending laterally from the base. The armrest is positioned above and running along the bathtub wall. Finally, the grab bar assembly includes a handgrip extending upwardly from the base. The handgrip includes at least one support arm and a substantially triangular shaped handle having a forward surface, rearward surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends from the at least one support arm along the bottom surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/558,126, entitled “GRAB BAR ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUBS”, filed Apr. 1,2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a grab bar assembly for use in supportingindividuals. More particularly, the invention relates to an ergonomicgrab bar assembly adapted for selective attachment to various supportstructures (for example, the upstanding wall of a bathtub), wherein thegrab bar includes an armrest extending from the handgrip.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are many instances in which individuals find themselves in need ofsupport structures around the house. For instance, it is well understoodthat elderly and otherwise weakened individuals may find it particularlydifficult to move around a bathtub. The slick environment created bysmooth surfaces such as porcelain and water can even be a hazard forthose of perfect health.

To combat the problems and challenges posed by the bathroom and similarenvironments, numerous support structures have been developed. Thesestructures provide gripping surfaces upon which one may apply weight tomove safely around the environment and to gain balance.

An early example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,361 to Smith whichdiscloses one such support structure in the form of a grab bar. The grabbar provides hand support for a person stepping over a wall, such as thesidewall of a bathtub. The grab bar is U-shaped and is supportedtransversely of the tub wall with the top of the “U” situated as a highdisposed handgrip. The support structure includes elements that may bewelded or otherwise secured.

A further example of a grab bar can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,323to DiVito et al. A bathtub handrail is provided having a molded plasticbody with a handgrip portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portionincludes a longitudinal slot through which a press plate is connected toa locking handle forming a clamp arm assembly for attachment to abathtub. The clamp arm assembly includes numerous components includingthose made out of steel.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,230 to Chang discloses a tub grab barstructure including a U-shaped grab bar. The grab bar may be rotated tochange its angle and direction with respect to a clamping base. The tubgrab bar can, therefore, be mounted in a position of the user's choice.

The previous uses of grab bar structures suffer from severaldisadvantages. First, the grab bars of the prior art include rustableparts. As grab bars are primarily used in close proximity to water, thisis highly undesirable due to the rust promoting properties carried bywater. Second, grab bar structures have been limited to curved, orU-shaped, bar structures as a gripping surface. Grab bar structures ofthis form are dangerous as a hand may slide easily down along the curvedsurface, particularly when wet. Thus, the security these devices aremeant to provide is greatly diminished.

While devices providing a grab bar surface are highly desirable, theprior art designs do not provide further support structures in andaround the bathtub to assist with the numerous actions conducted inassociation with a grab bar. More particularly, when using a grab bar aperson must brace against the tub itself to get the leverage necessaryto rise from the bathtub. This is precarious in that one could slipwhile bracing on the smooth surface of the bathtub. An armrest or otherstructure would be highly desirable to provide better leverage.

A need, therefore, exists for a grab bar assembly that is notsusceptible to deterioration when used in association with an aquaticenvironment, that provides a slip resistant gripping surface, andimplements additional support features beyond a grab bar for versatileuse. The present invention provides such a grab bar assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a grabbar assembly for use with a bathtub. The grab bar assembly includes asubstantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges. Thegrab bar assembly also includes a coupling assembly extending downwardfrom the base for attachment to an upstanding wall of the bathtub and anarmrest connected to and extending laterally from the base. The armrestis positioned above and running along the bathtub wall. Finally, thegrab bar assembly includes a handgrip extending upwardly from the base.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a grab barassembly for use with a bathtub. The grab bar assembly includes asubstantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges. Thegrab bar assembly also includes a coupling assembly extending downwardlyfrom the base for attachment to an upstanding wall of the bathtub and ahandgrip extending upwardly from the base. The handgrip includes atleast one support arm and a substantially triangular shaped handlehaving a forward surface, rearward surface and a bottom surface. Thehandle extends from the at least one support arm along the bottomsurface.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grab bar assembly in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the opposite side shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gripping member of the handwheel assembly.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the handwheel assembly.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 5 d respectively show a side view along the longedge of the pressure pad, a front view of the pressure pad, aperspective view of the back side of the pressure pad and a side viewalong the short edge of the pressure pad.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and 6 d respectively show a perspective view of thebase structure recess, a bottom view of the base structure recess, aside view of the base structure recess and a cross sectional view (alongthe line B-B of the FIG. 6 c) of the base structure recess.

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c respectively disclose a top view of the armrestprojection, a cross sectional view of the armrest projection (along theline A-A of FIG. 7 a) and a perspective view of the armrest projection.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d respectively disclose a bottom view of thesecond downwardly extending arm, an end view of the second downwardlyextending arm, a side view of the second downwardly extending arm and aperspective view of the second downwardly extending arm.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c disclose the sequential steps in securing thearmrest to the base structure.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d respectively disclose a top view of thearmrest, a side view of the armrest, a bottom view of the armrest and aperspective view of the armrest.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merelyexemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the arthow to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to the various figures, an ergonomic grab bar assembly 10in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The grab barassembly 10 is adapted for selective attachment to the upstanding wallof a bathtub. In particular, the grab bar assembly 10 includes acoupling mechanism, which is discussed below in greater detail, thatpermits the selective attachment of the grab bar assembly 10 to avariety of bathtub wall structures in a secure and reliable manner.Although the present grab bar assembly 10 is disclosed for use withbathtubs in accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is contemplatedthe grab bar assembly 10 may be used in a wide variety of environmentswithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The grab bar assembly 10 includes a coupling/clamping assembly 12, anarmrest 14 and a handgrip 16, all of which extend from a substantiallyplanar base structure 18. All components are preferably formed fromrust-resistant materials such as non-metals. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, all components are formedfrom polymers. In yet another preferred embodiment, all components areformed from injection molded plastic.

The base structure 18 includes forward and rearward edges 20, 22. Boththe forward and rearward edges 20, 22 include coupling members forselective attachment of the armrest 14 thereto. As such, the armrest 14may be selectively attached to either lateral side of the base structure18 for accommodating attachment of the grab bar assembly 10 to theupstanding wall of the bathtub regardless of the orientation of thebathtub. The thickness (t) of the armrest 14 is such that an arm placedon the armrest 14 may rest comfortably while grasping the handgrip 16 atits base. Further, the thickness decreases the angle of an arm whoseelbow is on the armrest 14 while grasping higher on the handgrip 16 thanwould be possible if the elbow were precariously placed on the bathtubwall. Thus, the thickness of the armrest 14 provides increased leveragedue to the decreased angle while providing a stable foundation uponwhich to place pressure when moving from a sitting position to astanding position.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theforward and rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18 include aplurality of recesses 24 shaped and dimensioned for receiving similarlyshaped projections 26 extending from a first end 28 of the armrest 14.The projections 26 of the armrest 14 and the recesses 24 of the basestructure 18 are shaped and dimensioned for creating a coupling clipstructure permitting secure attachment of the armrest 14 to either theforward or rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18, whilesimilarly permitting selective detachment of the armrest 14 withoutrequiring undo force.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 6 a-d and 7 a-c, theprojections 26 of the armrest 14 and the recesses 24 of the basestructure 18 are shown. Each recess 24 is formed with an internalconnection pin 30 downwardly extending substantially perpendicularly tothe direction in which the projection 26 is inserted within the recess24. The connection pin 30 is wedged, or angled, in a direction towardthe recess opening 32 to facilitate insertion of the projection 26through the recess 24. Ribs 34 are located along the forward andrearward portion of the connection pin 30 for supporting the projection26 upon attachment of the armrest 14 to the base structure 18.

In consideration of the angled nature of the recess connection pin 30,the forward edge of each projection 26 is similarly angled to match theshape of the connection pins 30. In addition, an aperture 38 formedwithin the projection 26 is chamfered to facilitate self-locating of theprojections 26 upon the pins 30 of the recesses 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9 a-c, the armrest 14 is secured to the basestructure 18 in the following manner. Once the base structure 18 andhandgrip 16 have been secured to the upstanding wall of the bathtub, thearmrest 14 is presented to the base structure 18 at an angle. Thearmrest 14 is inserted into the recesses 24 along either the forward orrearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18, depending upon whetherit is for right-handed or left-handed use. Exact positioning by the useris not necessary as the interaction between the recesses 24 and theprojections 26 as described above substantially positions the armrest 14in a correct position for coupling. When the armrest 14 is fullyinserted, it can be pushed downwardly to lock it into place. A positiveclick can be felt as the apertures 38 of the projections 26 receive thepins 30 of the recesses 24.

The armrest 14 includes a first end 28 and a second end 40. As discussedabove, the first end 28 includes a series of projections 26 shaped anddimensioned for selective attachment to the forward and rearward edges20, 22 of the base structure 18. The second end 40 is rounded to providean ergonomic, desirable appearance and to provide a surface, which willnot damage the forearm, or other body part, as the individual attemptsto utilize the present grab bar assembly 10.

The armrest 14 further includes an upper surface 42 and a lower surface44. The lower surface 44 is formed with a ribbed support structure whilethe upper surface 42 is a smooth, concave surface shaped and dimensionedfor supporting the arm of an individual utilizing the present grab barassembly 10. The shape and dimension of the concave surface is designedto accommodate a broad range of arm shapes and sizes. The shape anddimension of the armrest 14 provide support for a larger portion of theforearm when grasped from a sitting position within a bathtub.

With a conventional grab bar the handle is spaced above the bathtub wallupper surface and the user places his or her arm on the upper bathtubwall surface and grasps the handle when exiting the bathtub. In thissituation the tub wall only supports the user's elbow due to the angleone must reach up to grasp the handle and the elbow can easily slip off.In contrast, and in accordance with the present invention, the armrest14 provides a contoured surface above the upper surface of the bathtubwall decreasing the height and angle one must reach to grasp thehandgrip 16. As such, not just the elbow is being supported during exitfrom the bathtub. Further, when the elbow is supported it is resting ina concave surface and not on a flat slippery bathtub wall surface.

Extending from the upper surface 46 of the base structure 18 is anupstanding handgrip 16, which runs parallel to the bathtub wall. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thehandgrip 16 includes a pair of upwardly extending support arms 48 a, 48b and a handle 50. The upwardly extending support arms 48 a, 48 b areintegrally formed with the handle 50 and are larger at their bottomconnection point to the base structure 18 for added strength. The handle50 has a substantially triangular configuration with bubbled andtextured gripping surfaces 52 a-d.

The texturing prevents slipping when grabbed with wet hands. The forwardsurface 52 a of the handle 50 and the rearward surface 52 b of thehandle 50 are angled at approximately 50 degrees relative the bottomsurface 52 c of the handle 50. The angle is critical as it was designedto provide stability when stepping over the bathtub wall. The 50-degreeangle results in one grabbing the handle 50 with a straight wrist, muchlike a handshake. A straight wrist grasp with the bubble fitting intothe palm of the hand provides superior grab strength and results inadded stability as one crosses over into the bathtub.

The upper surface 52 d of the handle 50 connects forward surface 52 aand rearward surface 52 b to form a truncated apex. As such, anindividual may grip the handgrip 16 at a variety of locations dependingupon his or her specific location relative to the bathtub. The pluralityof gripping surfaces 52 a-d provided in conjunction with the presenthandle 50 also allows convenient gripping as the armrest 14 ispositioned along either the forward or rearward edges 20, 22 of the basestructure 18. As such, and regardless of which edge the armrest 14 issecured, an individual using the present grab bar assembly 10 will havea convenient gripping surface to utilize as he or she enters or leavesbathtub.

The coupling assembly 12 extends downwardly from the base structure 18.The coupling assembly 12 includes first and second downwardly extendingpanels 54, 56 defining a recess within which the upstanding wall of abathtub maybe positioned for coupling of the grab bar assembly 10thereto. The first downwardly extending panel 54 is integrally formedwith the base structure 18 and includes a smooth outer wall shaped anddimensioned to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. The inner wallof the first downwardly extending panel 54 includes a first backing pad58 to provide a smooth surface for attachment to the upstanding wall ofthe bathtub. The first backing pad 58 may further be provided with anelastomer adhesive sheet to enhance attachment of the grab bar assembly10 to the upstanding wall of the bathtub.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first backing pad 58 isformed of a soft, scratch-resistant material, such as foam or rubber,with a coefficient of friction sufficient to aid in prevention ofslipping along a bathtub, wall, or like surface. In addition, the firstdownwardly extending panel 54 is of a relatively large size to allow forpossible installation in other environments, for example, over showerdoor tracks.

With regard to the second downwardly extending panel 56, and withreference to FIGS. 1 and 8 a-8 d, it is positioned within a recess 60formed in the lower surface of the base structure 18. The recess 60extends between the first and second lateral sides of the base structure18 and the second downwardly extending panel 56 sits therein such thatit may be moved toward or away from the first downwardly extending panel54. With this in mind, the second downwardly extending panel 56 issubstantially L-shaped and includes a slide member 62 shaped anddimensioned to fit within the recess 60 for movement therein and aclamping member 64 shaped and dimensioned for opposing the firstdownwardly extending panel 54 during coupling of the grab bar assembly10 to the upstanding wall of a bathtub. The recess 60 and slide member62 include raised surfaces 61 which contact each other when joined toreduce lateral play or other movement.

Secure attachment to the upstanding wall of a bathtub is facilitated bypivotally mounting a pressure pad 66 along the inner surface of thesecond downwardly extending panel 56. In particular, the pressure pad 66is mounted along the inner surface 68 of the clamping member 64 suchthat it substantially opposes the backing pad 58 of the first downwardlyextending panel 54. Pivotal movement of the pressure pad 66 permits thegrab bar assembly 10 to readily adapt the angle between the first andsecond downwardly extending panels 54, 56 to accommodate a wide varietyof different bathtub shapes.

The pressure pad 66 is injection molded and designed for convenientpivotal attachment along the inner surface of the clamping member 64 ofthe second downwardly extending panel 56.

The pressure pad 66 includes a contoured contact surface 68 formed suchthat it becomes flat under the force applied during attachment of thepresent grab bar assembly 10 to the upstanding wall of a bathtub. Thecontoured contact surface 68 preferably includes a second backing pad 67formed of a soft, scratch-resistant material, such as foam or rubber,with a coefficient of friction sufficient to aid in prevention ofslipping along a bathtub or like surface. The pressure pad 66 furtherincludes an integrally molded pivot pin 70 along the rear surfacethereof and opposite to the contact surface 68. The pivot pin 70 isshaped and dimensioned for snap fitting within a similarly shaped pivotrecess 72 formed along the inner surface of the second downwardlyextending panel 56. A series of key recesses 74 along the pivot pin 70ensure proper positioning of the pressure pad 66 along the clampingmember 64 of the downwardly extending panel 56.

The first and second downwardly extending panels 54, 56 are coupled viaa screw mechanism. In particular, a handwheel assembly 76 is providedwhich includes a gripping member 78 and threaded screw pin 80. Thethreaded screw pin 80 extends through an aperture 82 in the firstdownwardly extending panel 54 and the threaded screw pin 80 engages thesecond downwardly extending panel 56, in particular, the slide member 62of the downwardly extending panel 56. The slide member 62 is formed withmating threads 84. In this way, rotation of the handwheel assembly 76causes the thread screw pin 80 and the mating threads 84 within theslide member 62 to interact in a manner causing the second downwardlyextending panel 56 to move toward and away from the first downwardlyextending panel 54 under the control of the handwheel assembly 76.

To assist weakened individuals such as the elderly in using the presentinvention, the threads on threaded screw pin 80 and mating threads 84are preferably wound with a longitudinal distance between thread coilssufficient to decrease resistance to rotation of the handwheel assembly76. A preferred distance between thread coils is greater than or equalto 18 threads per inch. In one embodiment, the threads along threadedscrew pin 80 are made from brass when mating threads are made ofplastic, or vice versa, as brass has been found to be self-lubricatingwhen used in plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the screw mechanism isformed entirely of rust-resistant material (e.g., non-metals, polymers,injection-molded plastics).

The handwheel assembly 76 includes a gripping member 78 which is verylarge to encourage use by those requiring the additional leverageoffered by a larger gripping member 78. In addition, the gripping member78 is contoured to provide a better fit for a user's hand, therebyallowing users to apply a greater clamping load.

The base structure 18, handgrip 16, support arms 48 a, 48 b and firstdownwardly extending panel 54 are all integrally formed. As can be seenin FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom surface 52 c of the handle 50 includes aseries of ribs 51 formed therein by a lifter during the molding process.When composed entirely of injection-molded plastic, the ribs 51strengthen the handle 50, as solid plastic tends to shear or otherwisebreak in comparison. The ribs 51 not only add strength to the handlesection 52 c, but also function as a fluid path blocker. During themolding process a nozzle is placed under support arm 48 a and fluid(i.e., a liquid or gas) is blown into the mold. The fluid travels upsupport arm 48 a, through 52 a, through 52 d, through 52 b and back outsupport arm 48 b. The material exits a small hole 21 in the side supportarm 48 b into a reservoir. The hole 21 is filled with the last materialexiting and forms a plug when cooled.

While the fluid travels through the mold, it creates a hollow as itforces material from the center of the handgrip out into a reservoir.The material in the reservoir can later be recycled. As discussed above,the ribs 51 function to block the fluid from entering section 52 c, thusforcing it to travel up and around the other handle sections 52 a, 52 dand 52 b. This molding process further functions to reduce the amount ofplastic necessary to form handle 50. This reduces the cost of productionmaterials as well as the necessary time for cooling of the plastic inthe mold.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub, comprising: asubstantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges; acoupling assembly extending downward from the base for attachment to anupstanding wall of the bathtub; an armrest connected to and extendinglaterally from the base, the armrest being positioned above and runningalong the bathtub wall; and a handgrip extending upwardly from the base.2. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grab barassembly is made entirely from polymers.
 3. The grab bar assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the base includes a forward edge and arearward edge, and both the forward edge and the rearward edge includecoupling members for selective attachment of the armrest.
 4. The grabbar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the forward and rearwardedges include recesses shaped to receive complementary projectionsextending from the armrest.
 5. The grab bar assembly according to claim4, wherein each recess includes a connection pin downwardly extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the direction in which the correspondingcomplementary projection is inserted within each recess.
 6. The grab barassembly according to claim 5, wherein each connection pin is angled ina direction toward the recess opening to facilitate insertion of eachcorresponding complementary projection.
 7. The grab bar assemblyaccording to claim 3, wherein the armrest includes a first end having aseries of projections shaped and dimensioned for attachment to thecoupling members.
 8. The grab bar assembly according to claim 7, whereinthe armrest includes a rounded second end.
 9. The grab bar assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein the armrest includes an upper concavesurface shaped and dimensioned for supporting an arm of an individual.10. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the handgripincludes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a substantiallytriangular shaped handle extending from the first and second supportarms.
 11. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein thecoupling assembly includes: a first downwardly extending panel; and asecond downwardly extending panel including a slide member shaped andpositioned within a recess formed in the base for movement therein. 12.The grab bar assembly according to claim 11, wherein the firstdownwardly extending panel, the handgrip and the base are integrallyformed.
 13. The grab bar assembly according to claim 11, wherein thefirst downwardly extending panel is coupled to the second downwardlyextending panel via a plastic screw mechanism including: an enlarged,contoured gripping member in the form of a handwheel; and a threadedscrew pin extending through an aperture in the downwardly extendingpanel to engage the second downwardly extending panel.
 14. The grab barassembly according to claim 13, wherein the distance between threadcoils on the threaded screw pin is greater than or equal to 18 threadsper inch.
 15. A grab bat assembly for use with a bathtub, comprising: asubstantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges; acoupling assembly extending downwardly from the base for attachment toan upstanding wall of the bathtub; a handgrip extending upwardly fromthe base, wherein the handgrip includes: at least one support arm; and asubstantially triangular shaped handle having a forward surface,rearward surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the handle extendsfrom the at least one support arm along the bottom surface.
 16. The grabbar assembly according to claim 15, further comprising an armrestconnected to and extending laterally from the base.
 17. The grab barassembly according to claim 15, wherein the forward surface and rearwardsurface are each connected to the bottom surface at angles measuringapproximately 50 degrees.
 18. The grab bar assembly according to claim15, wherein the grab bar assembly is made entirely from injection moldedplastics.
 19. The grab bar assembly according to claim 18, wherein theat least one support arm, the forward surface and the rearward surfaceare hollow.
 20. The grab bar assembly according to claim 15, wherein thehandle includes bubbled and textured gripping surfaces.